Her REV LOVE

C-3

A Silent Betrayal

The white walls of the VIP hospital room seemed to close in on me, the antiseptic smell sticking to my skin. I stood in the doorway, my fists clenched at my sides, watching as Frank sat by Ivy's bedside. His broad shoulders hunched forward, his fingers brushing her hand in a gesture far too intimate for a man who was married to someone else.

To me.

A wound centered in my personal nightmare was stark on her pale skin in the bandage that wrapped her forehead. I wanted to scream at him, shake him, make him see-but the second I opened my mouth, Ivy spoke first.

"I'm so sorry, Frank," she said, her tone soft and filled with subtle amounts of guilt. "I don't know what's wrong with Ruth anymore; she used to be so sweet."

My breath caught in my throat. Play the victim she did, and perfectly so.

Frank blew out a sharp exhale and rubbed his temple. "I don't understand either. When I saw her in the parking lot, I thought she was trying to hurt you." His jaw clenched with regret. "I hope you can forgive her. She's never acted this way before."

A twisted sense of betrayal coiled in my stomach. So that was it? One misunderstanding, one moment of doubt, and he had turned against me? The man I had loved, the man I had trusted with everything, had chosen her over me without a moment's hesitation.

Ivy reached for his hand and gave him a sweet, understanding smile. "Hey, don't blame her," she said, biting her lip as if torn. "She didn't push me. I fell on my own. it seems my wheelchair has some problems."

Frank's head jerked up. "You're saying Ruth didn't-?"

She nodded, contrite. "No, she didn't push me. Please, don't let this cause a misunderstanding between you two."

Silence stretched between them as realization began to dawn in Frank's eyes.

Guilt.

I saw it. It flickered across his face, settling in his features as he remembered how he had shoved me aside, not even looking back to see whether I was hurt.

He swallowed hard. "I had no idea… "

Ivy smiled softly. "You should talk to her, clear things up."

Frank nodded but did not rise immediately. He looked into her eyes; something unreadable swam there. "First, let me take you home. Your wheelchair was left at the office, and I've already arranged for a replacement."

"I can wait alone," Ivy replied delicately. "Don't leave Ruth alone for too long."

"Don't worry, I'll explain everything to her. She'll understand."

I nearly laughed at that. Did he really believe that a few words could erase the way he had doubted me so easily?

I sat across from Bianca in a small, cozy cafe, stirring my tea absentmindedly. The warmth of the cup did nothing to thaw the cold knot in my chest.

"What? You’re pregnant?" Bianca’s eyes widened, her voice rising in excitement. "That’s incredible news!"

I let out a soft, humorless laugh. "I don't know if it is." I took a deep breath, my fingers tightening on the porcelain cup. "You were right about last night. The man you saw? It was Frank. And the woman? Ivy. The woman he's always been in love with."

Bianca's excitement morphed into anger. "What the hell? Is he cheating on you?

"I don't know. Maybe he doesn't have to." I breathed shakily. "There was never love between us, Bee. Not real love. I was convenient. And now that she's back…" My voice trailed off.

Bianca's fists clenched. "You can't let him do this to you. You're his wife. You're carrying his child. Fight for your marriage."

"And then what?" I shook my head. "You should have seen how worried he was when he thought I pushed her. He didn't hesitate to push me aside—like I was nothing. I just can't fight for a man who won't fight for me."

Bianca's anger dimmed into concern. "At least tell him about the pregnancy. Maybe once he knows—"

I let my hand rest on my stomach, the slightest swell barely perceptible. "What if he doesn't want this baby? What if he asks me to get rid of it so he can be with her?"

Bianca was quiet for a moment before she sighed. "I'll support whatever you decide, Ruth. I just want you to be happy."

I nodded, though happiness felt like a far-off, unreachable thing.

The moment Frank walked into our apartment, I was waiting. The guilt was written all over his face, but I wasn't interested in his apologies.

"Ruth, about earlier, I—"

"I have something to say first." My voice was firm and steady; I stood, stepping forward, and handed him the papers I had held onto for weeks.

He frowned, brows furrowing, as he took them. "What is this? Work? Can't it wait? I wanted to talk about—"

"No, it can't wait," I cut in. "These are my resignation and divorce papers. It's time, Frank. This has been long overdue."

His breath hitched. "Divorce?"

"Yes." I crossed my arms over my chest-my heart hammering even as my exterior remained calm. "Let's end this."

He stared at me, the weight of my words sinking in. "Ruth, wait. I know I made a mistake. I should have listened to you—"

"But you didn't," I said softly. "You didn't listen. You didn't believe me. You saw what you wanted to see, and in that moment, you chose her."

His mouth opened but nothing came out. For the first time, he looked lost.

"You never loved me, Frank," I kept on, the words spilling out in an even tone. "And it was stupid of me to believe I could change that. But I won't make that mistake again."

"Ruth—"

"I'm leaving." There was just the slightest break in my voice. "I won't ask you for anything. Not even for the truth about how you feel."

Frank reached out and took a step closer, but I stepped back. "Please, just—"

I shook my head. "Goodbye, Frank."

I then walked away- my heart still breaking, but finally my spirit free.